Should I be able to cause the trailer tires to skid when applying the manual brake button on the brake controller? I recently installed a Valley Odessey II on my 2004 Toyota Sienna. Also I serviced the hub bearings on the trailer as well as adjusted the brakes. Following the instructions for the Valley brake controller, Im unable to have the trailer tires lockup and skid. The instructions say to adjust the gain just before the tires skid using the manual switch on the brake controller. Would the brakes on the trailer be sufficient in a emergency stop situation? Richard
Expert Reply:
Not all tires will lock up and skid; primarily because you are pulling a trailer with a Sienna, and it is a lower weight vehicle. Does the braking feel sufficient? Do the tires drag? If so, then you should be fine.
I recommend you check to see whether or not the output voltage is correct from the vehicle to the trailer. I have a technical bulletin from Tekonsha, (another brake controller company), which shows you how to conduct this test. I will attach the PDF file for your review. They are all 12V, so the bulletin should be universal in this instance.
expert reply by: Renee B
